Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze needs to feel he has the trust of his coach, Jupp Heynckes has said.
Gotze, 23, was named man of the match by most German media outlets as Germany defeated Poland 3-1 in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday, scoring twice.
National coach Joachim Low had praised his qualities before the game, and former Bayern boss Heynckes told kicker: "Gotze is an exceptional talent, the biggest in German football, but at 23 is still young.
"He doesn't seem free, a bit shy -- just like Toni Kroos a few years ago. Look at how dominant and confident Toni is now. It's entirely possible that Gotze will have a similar development.
"He needs to feel the trust of his coach -- and he gets that backing from Joachim Low and pays it back with top performances.
"Overall, you need to allow Gotze time and support him so that he can blossom."
Real Madrid midfielder Kroos was a protege of Heynckes, working with him at Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern. Widely praised as an exceptional young talent, he needed time to become a mainstay for club and country.
Since his arrival at Bayern, attacking midfielder Gotze has had tough spells and found himself out of the team at the end of last season despite injuries to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
He was linked with a summer move to Juventus, but vowed to stay and battle to establish himself at the Allianz Arena.
Speaking after the Poland match, Bayern and Germany keeper Manuel Neuer told kicker that Gotze "gives his all for football, 24 hours every day," and called him "a role model."
Germany and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil said: "He is a great player, who is always welcome in our team."